Radio communication system

ABSTRACT

In a radio communication system a first radio station performs communication by the use of a first radio signal. A second radio station receives a second radio signal which is indistinguishable from the first radio signal. A third radio station is in a radio communication area of the first radio station and a radio communication area of the second radio station. A communication format conversion unit generates a third radio signal by converting a communication format of the second radio signal to a communication format which is distinguishable from the first radio signal, and communicates with the third radio station by the use of the third radio signal.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/179,921, filed Jul. 11, 2011, now pending, which claims priority to International Application No. PCT/JP2009/050775, filed Jan. 20, 2009, the contents of each are herein wholly incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed herein are related to radio communication systems including a mobile telecommunication system, a radio LAN (Local Area Network) and the like.

BACKGROUND

In recent years a new high-speed communication service referred to as LTE (Long Term Evolution) has been expected as a standard for communication by a mobile station such as a portable telephone. In addition, a LTE-advanced system which is a further developed version of LTE is discussed in 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project).

Furthermore, the LTE-advanced system is to be proposed as an IMT-advanced system which is a further developed version of an IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000 system which ITU-R (International Telecommunication Union Radio communications sector) determines to discuss.

W-CDMA (Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA one, and WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) are typical IMT-2000 systems.

With a LTE-advanced system introducing a MBSFN (Multimedia Broadcast multicast service Single Frequency Network) in which MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) data is transmitted and a relay apparatus (relay node) for performing radio relay with a LTE system as a base is discussed (expansion of uplink/downlink bandwidth, introduction of uplink MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), and the like are also discussed). Description will now be given with a LTE-advanced system as an example.

(1) MBMS and MBSFN

A MBMS is a service for broadcasting data to unspecified or specific users. To be concrete, broadcasting information such as news or multicasting information to specific users is possible.

Furthermore, A MBSFN in which a plurality of base stations transmit MBMS data in synchronization with one another by the use of the same resource is discussed as a method for transmitting broadcast data (MBMS data) by the use of a MBMS.

“SFN” (Single Frequency Network) of “MBSFN” means using the same radio frequency. That is to say, usually a transmission area (MBSFN are) is set in a MBSFN and the same radio frequency is used in that area (see TS36.300V8.6.0 15 MBMS).

Moreover, with a MBSFN a plurality of base stations transmit the same data at the same frequency at the same timing. As a result, a mobile station can receive MBMS data transmitted from the plurality of base stations.

The reason for this is as follows. If delay time is shorter than or equal to the length of a CP (Cyclic Prefix) in, for example, OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) receiving, then plural pieces of data can be received and synthesized. By receiving and synthesizing plural pieces of data, the effect of the improvement of a receiving characteristic can be obtained.

A CP is a redundant portion added at data transmission time to prevent a data overlap, and corresponds to a GI (Guard Interval) in terrestrial digital broadcasting. The length of a CP used in a MBSFN is longer than that of a CP added to unicast data in normal communication.

FIG. 20 illustrates the format of radio data. Radio data includes a CP and data. A CP used at unicast transmission time is referred to as a normal CP and a CP used in a MBSFN is referred to as an extended CP. The length of a normal CP is 4.69 μsec and the length of a CP used in a MBSFN (length of a CP included in MBMS data) is 16.67 μsec.

FIG. 21 illustrates data receiving and combining. It is assumed that a mobile station 120 receives MBMS data (data b) transmitted from a base station B and that the mobile station 120 receives MBMS data (data a) transmitted from a base station A time t after receiving the data b (data a and b are broadcast data and are equal in service contents).

If the delay time t falls within the range of the length of a CP from the time when the mobile station 120 begins to receive the data b, then the mobile station 120 can receive not only the data b but also the data a and combine the data a and b. As described above, a CP is long in a MBSFN. Therefore, a mobile station can also receive MBMS data transmitted from a remote base station (corresponding to the base station A in this example) and can perform combining.

(2) Relay Apparatus (Relay Node)

With a LTE-advanced system a relay node is installed between a base station and a mobile station, for example, for cell extension or as countermeasures for dead spots.

FIG. 22 illustrates cell extension. A mobile station 120 is outside a cell 100 a of a base station 100. A relay node 110 is installed within the cell 100 a. The mobile station 120 is within a relay area 110 a in which the relay node 110 can perform relay.

If a relay node such as the relay node 110 does not exist, the mobile station 120 is outside the cell 100 a and cannot communicate with the base station 100. However, if the relay node 110 is installed, the mobile station 120 is within the relay area 110 a of the relay node 110. Even if the mobile station 120 is outside the cell 100 a, radio relay is performed via the relay node 110 and communication can be performed between the base station 100 and the mobile station 120.

FIG. 23 illustrates countermeasures for a dead spot. A relay node 110 is installed within a cell 100 a of a base station 100. There is a dead spot 110 b within the cell 100 a. A mobile station 120 is in the dead spot 110 b. It is assumed that a relay area 110 a of the relay node 110 covers the dead spot 110 b.

If a relay node such as the relay node 110 does not exist and the mobile station 120 is in the dead spot 110 b, it is difficult for the mobile station 120 to communicate with the base station 100. However, if the relay node 110 is installed and the relay area 110 a of the relay node 110 covers the dead spot 110 b, then radio relay is performed via the relay node 110 and communication can be performed between the base station 100 and the mobile station 120 in the dead spot 110 b.

The following technique is proposed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2008-503130 (Paragraphs [0015]-[0020], FIG. 1) as a conventional technique regarding a MBMS. A mobile station estimates cell quality on the basis of the difference in transmission power between a common pilot channel and a common control channel and receives data from an adjacent cell in which cell quality is the highest.

In addition, the following technique is proposed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 10-032557 (Paragraphs [00019]-[0021], FIG. 1) as a conventional radio relay technique. A transmission apparatus hierarchizes and transmits a relay apparatus signal which a relay apparatus retransmits and a receiving apparatus signal transmitted directly to a receiving apparatus. The relay apparatus demodulates the relay apparatus signal, modulates it again, and retransmits it.

With a MBMS radio network, as described above, a relay node can be installed for performing cell extension or taking countermeasures for a dead spot. In addition, with a MBSFN a radio signal is transmitted by the use of an extended CP which is longer than a normal CP used for normal unicast transmission. Accordingly, a radio signal transmitted from a base station distant from a mobile station can be received via a relay node. As a result, the possibility of receiving and combining more pieces of data can be enhanced.

With a conventional MBMS radio network, however, the problem of being unable to distinguish between unicast data and MBMS data transmitted in a MBSFN exists.

FIG. 24 illustrates the problem of being unable to distinguish between unicast data and MBMS data. There are base stations 101 through 103, mobile stations 121 through 123, and a relay node 110. The base station 101 transmits unicast data r1 to the mobile station 121. The base station 103 transmits unicast data r3 to the mobile station 123. In addition, the base station 102 transmits MBMS data r2 to the relay node 110 and the relay node 110 relay-transmits the MBMS data r2 to the mobile station 122.

With unicast data transmission the base station scrambles unicast data so that the unicast data can be distinguished from another piece of unicast data transmitted by the use of the same radio resource. That is to say, by using scrambling codes which differ in initial value, the unicast data can be distinguished from another piece of unicast data transmitted by the use of the same radio resource. Accordingly, the unicast data r1 and r3 indicated in FIG. 24 can be distinguished. In addition, with MBSFN transmission plural pieces of MBMS data are transmitted so that they can be distinguished. Therefore, pieces of MBMS data can be distinguished. That is to say, if the same communication format is used, pieces of data can be distinguished.

However, unicast data and MBMS data differ in communication format. In addition, there is no express provision that unicast data and MBMS data differ in scrambling code initial value. Accordingly, there is no guarantee that unicast data and MBMS data can be distinguished by scrambling codes. Furthermore, unicast data and MBMS data may be transmitted at the same time by the use of the same radio resource. As a result, in an environment in which unicast data and MBMS data mingle, it may be impossible to distinguish between them.

To be concrete, there is no guarantee that a scrambling code for a PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), which is a radio channel used for transmitting user data in unicast communication, and a scrambling code for a PMCH (Physical Multicast Channel), which is a radio channel used for transmitting user data in MBSFN transmission can be distinguished. As a result, it may be impossible to distinguish between a PDSCH and a PMCH. This may cause interference.

In the case of FIG. 24, it is assumed that the mobile station 121 is at a position where the mobile station 121 can receive both the unicast data r1 and the MBMS data r2 and that the mobile station 123 is at a position where the mobile station 123 can receive both the unicast data r3 and the MBMS data r2.

In this environment, the mobile station 121 or 123 which originally wants to receive unicast data is unable to distinguish MBMS data r2 transmitted from the relay node 110, so that the MBMS data r2 becomes an interference wave.

On the other hand, even if unicast data and MBMS data can be distinguished for a certain period of time, base stations or a base station and a relay node are not necessarily synchronized. Accordingly, timing at which scrambling begins, for example, in one base station gradually deviates from timing at which scrambling begins in the other base station. This degrades code identification capability. As a result, it is impossible to distinguish a PDSCH and a PMCH, and interference occurs.

FIG. 25 illustrates the occurrence of interference caused by a timing deviation. A black slot indicates MBMS data in MBSFN transmission and a white slot indicates unicast data. In a state in which transmission sequences A1 and B1 can be distinguished, two pieces of MBMS data are in the same timing, for example, at a timing T1. Accordingly, the two pieces of MBMS data can be distinguished and interference does not occur. Two pieces of unicast data are in the same timing at a timing T2. Accordingly, the two pieces of unicast data can be distinguished and interference does not occur.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the transmission sequence A1 changes to a transmission sequence A1 a due to a timing deviation. In this case, MBMS data and unicast data are in the same timing in the transmission sequences A1 a and B1 at each of timings T3 through T6. Accordingly, the MBMS data and the unicast data cannot be distinguished and interference occurs. This degrades the transmission characteristics of one or both of the MBMS data and the unicast data, resulting in degradation in transmission quality.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, a radio communication system includes: a first radio station which performs communication by the use of a first radio signal; a second radio station; and a third radio station which is in an area common to a radio communication area of the first radio station and a radio communication area of the second radio station, wherein: the second radio station includes a processor which is configured for converting, upon receiving a second radio signal which is a scrambled radio signal and is indistinguishable from the first radio signal, a communication format of the second radio signal; and the processor is configured for generating a third radio signal by converting a communication format of a scrambled radio signal which is based on the second radio signal and is distinguishable from the first radio signal, and for communicating with the third radio station by the use of the third radio signal.

The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the structure of a radio communication system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the structure of a radio communication system;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the structure of a radio communication system;

FIG. 4 illustrates a MBSFN network;

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of operation in the MBSFN network;

FIG. 6 illustrates a radio communication system in a MBSFN network;

FIG. 7 illustrates the replacement of a CP;

FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system;

FIG. 9 illustrates the structure of a relay node;

FIG. 10 illustrates the structure of the relay node;

FIG. 11 illustrates the structure of a mobile station;

FIG. 12 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system;

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of operation;

FIG. 14 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system;

FIG. 15 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system;

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram of operation;

FIG. 17 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system;

FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of transmission of MBMS data before normal MBSFN transmission timing;

FIG. 19 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system;

FIG. 20 illustrates the format of radio data;

FIG. 21 illustrates data receiving and combining;

FIG. 22 illustrates cell extension;

FIG. 23 illustrates countermeasures for a dead spot;

FIG. 24 illustrates the problem of being unable to distinguish between unicast data and MBMS data; and

FIG. 25 illustrates the occurrence of interference caused by a timing deviation.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the structure of a radio communication system. A radio communication system 1 includes a radio station (first radio station) 1 r, a radio station (second radio station) 2 r, and a radio station (third radio station) 3 r.

The radio station 1 r performs communication by the use of a radio signal (first radio signal) d1. The radio station 2 r receives a radio signal (second radio signal) d2 on which scrambling that cannot be distinguished from the radio signal d1 is performed. The radio station 2 r includes a communication format conversion unit 21. The radio station 3 r is in a radio communication area (cell) of the radio station 1 r and a cell of the radio station 2 r.

Being unable to distinguish the radio signal d1 and the radio signal d2 means being unable to distinguish a code for scrambling which is performed on the radio signal d1 and a code for scrambling which is performed on the radio signal d2.

When the communication format conversion unit 21 included in the radio station 2 r receives the radio signal d2, the communication format conversion unit 21 converts a communication format of the radio signal d2 by performing scrambling which can be distinguished from the radio signal d1 on the radio signal d2. By doing so, the communication format conversion unit 21 generates a radio signal d2 a (third radio signal). The communication format conversion unit 21 communicates with the radio station 3 r by the use of the radio signal d2 a.

The contents themselves of a service signal in the radio signal d2 a are the same as those of a service signal in the radio signal d2. However, the communication format of the radio signal d2 is converted so that the radio signals d1 and d2 a can be distinguished.

As has been described, even if the radio signals d1 and d2 cannot be distinguished, the communication format conversion unit 21 converts the communication format of the radio signal d2 to be distinguished from the radio signal d1. The communication format conversion unit 21 communicates with the radio station 3 r by the use of the generated distinguishable radio signal d2 a.

In order to make it possible to distinguish the radio signals d1 and d2, it is desirable that frames (or slots included in frames) transmitted from the first and second radio stations should be synchronized. In addition, different radio resources may be used for the radio signals d1 and d2.

The radio signals d1 and d2 a can be distinguished, so they do not interfere with each other. Therefore, receiving quality at the radio station 3 r and radio transmission quality in the entire system can be improved.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the structure of a radio communication system. A radio communication system 1A includes a base station (first base station) 10-1, a base station (second base station) 10-2, a relay node 20, and a mobile station 30.

The base station 10-1 performs communication by the use of a radio signal (first radio signal) d1. The base station 10-2 transmits a radio signal (second radio signal) d2 which cannot be distinguished from the radio signal d1. The relay node 20 includes a communication format conversion unit 21 and relays the radio signal d2 transmitted from the base station 10-2.

The communication format conversion unit 21 converts a communication format of the radio signal d2 to a communication format which can be distinguished from the radio signal d1. That is to say, the communication format conversion unit 21 generates a radio signal d2 a in the communication format after the conversion and communicates with the mobile station 30 by the use of the radio signal d2 a.

If the relay node 20 relays the radio signal d2 received from the base station 10-2 to the mobile station 30 without changing its communication format, the radio signals d1 and d2 cannot be distinguished. Accordingly, interference occurs.

With the radio communication system 1A, on the other hand, the relay node 20 performs relay communication by converting the communication format of the radio signal d2 to a communication format which can be distinguished from the radio signal d1 and by generating the radio signal d2 a. As a result, the radio signals d1 and d2 a do not interfere with each other. Therefore, receiving quality at the mobile station 30 and radio transmission quality in the entire system can be improved.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the structure of a radio communication system. In a radio communication system 1-1 a radio signal d1 is a normal communication signal d1 and a radio signal d2 is a broadcast signal d2. The structure of the radio communication system 1-1 is the same as that of the radio communication system 1A illustrated in FIG. 2.

When a communication format conversion unit 21 receives the broadcast signal d2, the communication format conversion unit 21 converts a broadcast format which is a communication format of the broadcast signal d2 to a normal communication format which is a communication format of the normal communication signal d1, and relay-transmits the broadcast signal d2 in the normal communication format.

A broadcast signal d2 a the communication format of which has been converted to the normal communication format is transmitted to a mobile station 30. Even when the mobile station 30 is in an environment in which the mobile station 30 can receive both the normal communication signal d1 and the broadcast signal d2 a, the communication format (normal communication format) of the normal communication signal d1 is the same as that of the broadcast signal d2 a (that is to say, there is a guarantee that radio signals in the same communication format can be distinguished) and interference does not occur. Therefore, receiving quality at the mobile station 30 and radio transmission quality in the entire system can be improved.

In an example in which the radio communication system 1-1 is applied to MBMS, the structure of a system and operation will now be described. First the structure of an entire MBSFN network to which the radio communication system 1-1 is applied will be described.

FIG. 4 illustrates a MBSFN network. A MBSFN network 40 includes a MBMS controller or MBMS control unit (hereinafter generically named “MBMS controller”) 41 which is a MCE (Multi-Cell/Multicast Coordination Entity), a MBMS GW (Gate Way) 42, BTSs (Base Transceiver Stations) 43 a and 43 b, and mobile stations 30-1 through 30-4.

A MBMS radio signal includes MBMS data and a control signal (hereinafter referred to as a “MBMS control signal”) for receiving a MBMS. The MBMS controller 41 controls MBMS transmission for transmitting the MBMS control signal to the MBMS GW 42 and the base transceiver stations 43 a and 43 b. The MBMS GW 42 transmits the MBMS data to the base transceiver stations 43 a and 43 b. The MBMS GW 42 stores and manages the MBMS data and may be referred to as a MBMS data storage unit.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of operation in the MBSFN network. The MBMS controller 41 performs scheduling to determine MBMS data to be transmitted and its transmission method (such as a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, transmission timing, and a radio frequency to be used). The MBMS controller 41 then gives the MBMS GW 42 notice of information regarding the modulation scheme, the coding scheme, and the like determined and a control signal generated on the basis of the information.

In addition, the MBMS controller 41 requests the MBMS GW 42 to transmit the MBMS data to base transceiver stations. The MBMS GW 42 which receives the notice transmits the control signal (MCCH: Multicast Control Channel) and the MBMS data (MTCH: MBMS Traffic Channel) to the base transceiver station. In addition, the MBMS GW 42 gives the base transceiver station notice of control information, such as the transmission timing and the radio frequency to be used, for MBSFN transmission.

The base transceiver station which receives the notice of the control information, the MBMS data, and the control signal performs MBSFN transmission in accordance with the control information. A DF (Decode and Forward) relay node (which performs processes such as demodulation, error correction decoding, and re-coding and re-modulation on a received radio signal and relays the resultant) which receives the MBSFN transmission performs demodulation and decoding, error correction, and recoding and remodulation and transmits MBMS data obtained to a mobile station.

The MBMS data forms a MTCH which is a logical channel, is mapped to a MCH (Multicast Channel) which is a transport channel, and is radio-transmitted via a PMCH which is a radio channel. When the MBMS data is transmitted, scrambling is performed on the basis of an ID (identifier) according to MBSFN area (see TS36.211).

The MBMS control signal is included in a MCCH which is a logical channel, is mapped to a MCH which is a transport channel, and is radio-transmitted via a PMCH which is a radio channel.

The MBMS controller 41 performs scheduling, such as resource assignment and determination of a MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) and MBMS data transmission timing, multiplexes a scheduling result on the MBMS control signal, and transmits it. The base transceiver stations 43 a and 43 b perform radio transmission on the basis of the scheduling result.

The above MCS (which may also be referred to as AMC (Adaptive Modulation and Coding)) means a modulation and coding scheme. With the MCS a modulation scheme or a coding rate is adaptively changed according to radio channel quality and is used. The MCS includes attributes such as a modulation scheme, a coding rate, and a transmission rate.

With MCS1, for example, a modulation scheme is QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying), a coding rate is ⅛, and a transmission rate is 1.891 Mb/s. With MCS5 a modulation scheme is 16 QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), a coding rate is ½, and a transmission rate is 15.221 Mb/s. Usually an optimum MCS is selected according to the receiving state of a mobile station.

The MBMS controller 41 selects one of a plurality of MCSs. One method for selecting a MCS is to select a MCS with a cell in which a propagation characteristic (propagation environment) is most undesirable as reference and to apply the same MCS selected in the whole of a MBSFN area.

For example, if the determination that communication is performed on the basis of MCS1 in a cell in which a propagation characteristic is most undesirable is made, then MCS1 is applied in all the other cells in a MBSFN area (MCS1 is also applied in a cell in which a propagation characteristic is good). It is also possible to set a certain MCS regardless of a propagation environment.

The operation of a radio communication system in a MBSFN network will now be described concretely. Hereinafter description will be given with unicast data as an example of a normal communication signal, a unicast communication format as an example of a normal communication format, MBMS data as an example of a broadcast signal, and a MBSFN communication format as an example of a broadcast format.

FIG. 6 illustrates a radio communication system in a MBSFN network. A radio communication system la includes a MBMS controller 41, a MBMS GW 42, base transceiver stations 43 a through 43 c, a relay node 20, and mobile stations 30-1 through 30-4. The relay node 20 includes a communication format conversion unit 21.

The base transceiver station 43 a transmits MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format to the mobile station 30-1 and the relay node 20. The base transceiver station 43 b transmits unicast data in the unicast communication format to the mobile station 30-3. The base transceiver station 43 c transmits unicast data in the unicast communication format to the mobile station 30-4.

When the communication format conversion unit 21 included in the relay node 20 receives the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format, the communication format conversion unit 21 converts the MBSFN communication format to the unicast communication format and transmits the MBMS data in the unicast communication format.

It is assumed that the mobile station 30-2 receives data relayed by the relay node 20 and that the mobile station 30-2 is in an area where the mobile station 30-2 can also receive unicast data transmitted from the base transceiver station 43 b.

If the relay node 20 relay-transmits the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format to the mobile station 30-2 under these conditions, then the mobile station 30-2 receives both the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format and the unicast data in the unicast communication format.

With the MBSFN communication format the MBMS data is transmitted via a radio channel PMCH. With the unicast communication format the unicast data is transmitted via a radio channel PDSCH. However, there is no guarantee that a code for scrambling performed on a PMCH and a code for scrambling performed on a PDSCH can be distinguished. Accordingly, it may be impossible to distinguish these codes. As a result, the MBMS data interferes with the unicast data at the mobile station 30-2.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the relay node includes the communication format conversion unit 21. When the communication format conversion unit 21 receives the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format, the communication format conversion unit 21 changes the communication format of the MBMS data from the MBSFN communication format to the unicast communication format and relay-transmits the MBMS data in the unicast communication format.

That is to say, the MBSFN communication format is converted to the unicast communication format (radio data format using an extended CP is converted to a radio data format using a normal CP), so the MBMS data can be transmitted not via a radio channel PMCH but via a radio channel PDSCH.

As a result, the MBMS data in the unicast communication format transmitted from the relay node 20 does not interfere with the unicast data in the unicast communication format transmitted from the base transceiver station 43 b.

That is to say, the MBMS data and the unicast data are transmitted via radio channels PDSCH, so there is a guarantee that the MBMS data and the unicast data can be distinguished. This can prevent interference. Accordingly, the mobile station 30-2 can sensitively receive the MBMS data which is transmitted from the relay node 20 and which the mobile station 30-2 originally wants to receive.

In the above description the communication format conversion unit 21 changes the communication format of the MBMS data from the MBSFN communication format to the unicast communication format and relay-transmits the MBMS data. By changing the communication format of the MBMS data from the MBSFN communication format to a single cell MBMS communication format and relay-transmitting the MBMS data, however, the occurrence of interference can also be prevented. A single cell MBMS will now be described.

With a LTE system not only MBSFN transmission but also single cell MBMS transmission (term “single cell transmission” is used in TS36.300, but in this specification the term “single cell MBMS transmission” is used for differentiating it from unicast transmission) by which MBMS data is transmitted only to a specific cell is discussed.

With the MBSFN transmission MBMS data is transmitted to the whole of an area which is a group of cells. With the single cell MBMS transmission, unlike the MBSFN transmission, MBMS data is transmitted only to a specific cell. Accordingly, there is no need for a plurality of base transceiver stations to transmit the same data at the same frequency at the same timing. As a result, each base transceiver station performs scheduling.

Moreover, MBMS data is transmitted to one cell, so propagation distance is short compared with the MBSFN transmission. As a result, CP length can be made shorter. In other words, a normal CP used in the unicast communication can be used. This means that the unicast transmission can be performed. That is to say, transmission can be performed by the use of a PDSCH which is a radio channel used in the unicast communication.

Therefore, when the communication format conversion unit 21 receives the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format, the communication format conversion unit 21 may convert the MBSFN communication format to the unicast communication format or a single cell MBMS communication format. By relay-transmitting the MBMS data in the unicast communication format or the single cell MBMS communication format, the occurrence of interference at the mobile station can be prevented.

Format conversion (replacement of a redundant portion (CP)) will now be described. FIG. 7 illustrates the replacement of a CP. When the communication format conversion unit 21 converts the MBSFN communication format to the unicast communication format or the single cell MBMS communication format, the communication format conversion unit 21 performs data format conversion by replacing an extended CP with a normal CP.

By adding a short normal CP to received data, the amount of information which can be transmitted can be increased by the use of an empty field (because (length of normal CP)<(length of extended CP) or transmission can be performed with a coding rate decreased and the number of parity bits increased. As a result, a transmission characteristic can be improved (transmission may be performed with a coding rate unchanged and 0's or 1's inserted into unused bits as padding characters).

The case where the unicast communication format is converted to the MBSFN communication format will now be described. FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system. The structure of a radio communication system 1 a-0 is the same as that of the radio communication system la illustrated in FIG. 6. In the case of FIG. 8, however, the unicast communication format is converted to the MBSFN communication format.

A base transceiver station 43 a transmits unicast data in the unicast communication format to a mobile station 30-1 and a relay node 20. A base transceiver station 43 b transmits MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format to a mobile station 30-3. A base transceiver station 43 c transmits MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format to a mobile station 30-4.

When a communication format conversion unit 21 included in the relay node 20 receives the unicast data in the unicast communication format, the communication format conversion unit 21 converts the unicast communication format to the MBSFN communication format and transmits the unicast data in the MBSFN communication format (radio data format using a normal CP is converted to a radio data format using an extended CP).

As a result, the unicast data in the MBSFN communication format transmitted from the relay node 20 does not interfere with the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format transmitted from the base transceiver station 43 b. A communication format conversion reverse to that described in FIG. 6 can also be made in this way.

The structure of the relay node 20 will now be described. Methods of relay by the relay node 20 are broadly divided into an AF (Amplify and Forward) method and the DF method. With the AF method a relay node receives a radio signal transmitted from a base transceiver station or a mobile station, amplifies the received radio signal, and transmits a radio signal obtained to a mobile station or a base transceiver station.

With the DF method, as described above, a relay node receives a radio signal transmitted from a base transceiver station or a mobile station, performs an error correction process by demodulation and decoding, performs coding and modulation again, and transmits a signal obtained to a mobile station or a base transceiver station. The structure of the relay node 20 having the DF function will now be described.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the structure of the relay node 20. The relay node 20 includes an antenna a1, a receiving unit 22 a-1, a demodulation and decoding unit 22 a-2, a radio channel quality information acquisition unit 23 a, a scheduler 24 a, a channel setting unit 25 a, an uplink connection request signal extraction unit 26 a-1, an uplink connection request signal generation unit 26 a-2, an uplink transmission control signal generation unit 26 a-3, a channel quality measurement unit 27 a-1, a channel quality information generation unit 27 a-2, a coding and modulation unit 28 a-1, and a transmission unit 28 a-2.

In addition, the relay node 20 includes an antenna a2, a receiving unit 22 b-1, a demodulation and decoding unit 22 b-2, a downlink transmission control signal extraction unit 23 b-1, a MBMS control signal extraction unit 23 b-2, a downlink control signal generation unit 23 b-3, a MBSFN transmission control unit 23 b-4, a transmitted data buffer 24 b, a communication format conversion unit 21, a coding and modulation unit 25 b-1, and a transmission unit 25 b-2.

On the basis of a scheduling result, the receiving unit 22 a-1 and the demodulation and decoding unit 22 a-2 receive an uplink radio signal transmitted from a mobile station via the antenna a1, down-convert it, and demodulate and decode an uplink signal after the down-conversion.

The radio channel quality information collection unit 23 a collects radio channel quality information (indicator of the quality of a radio channel between the relay node and the mobile station) from the uplink signal after the demodulation and decoding and transmits the radio channel quality information to the scheduler 24 a.

The uplink connection request signal extraction unit 26 a-1 extracts an uplink connection request signal from the uplink signal after the demodulation and decoding and transmits the uplink connection request signal to the channel setting unit 25 a. When the channel setting unit 25 a receives the uplink connection request signal, the channel setting unit 25 a transmits uplink connection request signal generation instructions on the basis of the scheduling result.

When the uplink connection request signal generation unit 26 a-2 receives the uplink connection request signal generation instructions, the uplink connection request signal generation unit 26 a-2 generates an uplink connection request signal. The uplink transmission control signal generation unit 26 a-3 generates an uplink transmission control signal on the basis of the scheduling result.

The channel quality measurement unit 27 a-1 measures the quality of a channel between a base transceiver station and the relay node 20 and transmits a measurement result to the channel quality information generation unit 27 a-2. The channel quality information generation unit 27 a-2 generates channel quality information on the basis of the measurement result.

On the basis of the scheduling result, the coding and modulation unit 28 a-1 and the transmission unit 28 a-2 code and modulate the uplink connection request signal, the uplink transmission control signal, and the channel quality information, multiplex these signals on one another, up-convert a signal obtained, and transmit the signal to the base transceiver station via the antenna a2.

On the basis of information regarding coding and modulation included in a downlink transmission control signal, the receiving unit 22 b-1 and the demodulation and decoding unit 22 b-2 receive via the antenna a2 a downlink radio signal transmitted from the base transceiver station, down-convert it, and demodulate and decode a downlink signal after the down-conversion. The downlink transmission control signal extraction unit 23 b-1 extracts the downlink transmission control signal from the downlink signal and transmits it to the receiving unit 22 b-1 and the demodulation and decoding unit 22 b-2.

The MBMS control signal extraction unit 23 b-2 extracts a MBMS control signal from the downlink signal and transmits it to the MBSFN transmission control unit 23 b-4. The MBSFN transmission control unit 23 b-4 sets MBSFN control in the scheduler 24 a.

The transmitted data buffer 24 b buffers the downlink signal and outputs data on the basis of a scheduling result. The communication format conversion unit 21 converts the communication format of the downlink signal after the buffering (MBSFN→unicast, for example). The downlink control signal generation unit 23 b-3 generates a downlink control signal on the basis of the scheduling result.

On the basis of the scheduling result, the coding and modulation unit 25 b-1 and the transmission unit 25 b-2 code and modulate the downlink control signal and the downlink signal after the communication format conversion, up-convert them, and transmit them to the mobile station via the antenna a1.

The structure of a mobile station will now be described. FIG. 11 illustrates the structure of a mobile station. A mobile station 30 includes an antenna a3 and a receiving unit 31. It is assumed that the mobile station 30 is in an area where the mobile station 30 can receive a radio signal (first radio signal) d1 and a radio signal (second radio signal) d2 which cannot be distinguished from the radio signal d1.

When the receiving unit 31 receives the radio signal d1, the receiving unit 31 performs a process for receiving the radio signal d1. Alternatively, a communication format of the radio signal d2 is converted on the mobile station 30 side to a communication format which can be distinguished from the radio signal d1, and the receiving unit 31 performs a process for receiving a radio signal d2 a in the communication format after the conversion.

Detailed operation in a radio communication system will now be described. In a first embodiment operation performed at the time of converting the MBSFN communication format to the unicast communication format and performing relay transmission will be described. A relay node included in a radio communication system has a MBMS scheduling function.

FIG. 12 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system. A radio communication system 1 a-1 includes a MBMS controller 41, a MBMS GW 42, base transceiver stations 43 a and 43 b, a relay node 20 a, and mobile stations 30-1 through 30-3. The relay node 20 a includes a communication format conversion unit 21 and a scheduler 2 a.

The relay node 20 a originally includes a scheduler for unicast communication. However, the scheduler 2 a has not only a unicast communication scheduling function but also a MBMS scheduling function.

The base transceiver station 43 a transmits MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format to the mobile station 30-1 and the relay node 20 a. The base transceiver station 43 b transmits unicast data in the unicast communication format to the mobile station 30-3.

When the communication format conversion unit 21 included in the relay node 20 a receives the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format, the communication format conversion unit 21 converts the MBSFN communication format to the unicast communication format and transmits the MBMS data in the unicast communication format to the mobile station 30-2.

The mobile station 30-2 requests the MBMS controller 41 via the relay node 20 a and the base transceiver station 43 a to relay MBSFN transmission. The relay node 20 a which receives the request requests the MBMS controller 41 via the base transceiver station 43 a to relay MBSFN transmission and transmit MBMS control information managed by the MBMS controller 41 to the relay node 20 a.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of operation. In FIG. 13, it is assumed that a relay request from a mobile station is transmitted to at least a DF relay node, that the relay request is transmitted to a base transceiver station via the DF relay node, and that the relay request is transmitted to a MBMS controller via the base transceiver station.

The MBMS controller which receives the relay request transmits MBSFN transmission information (information indicative of the type of transmitted MBMS data, the MBMS data which has already been transmitted, and the like) held by the MBMS controller to the DF relay node so that the DF relay node will change the communication format of received MBMS data from the MBSFN communication format to the unicast communication format and so that the DF relay node will transmit the MBMS data to the mobile station. In FIG. 13, the MBMS controller transmits the MBSFN transmission information before scheduling. However, the MBMS controller may transmit the MBSFN transmission information after scheduling.

In addition, the mobile station may transmit radio channel quality information to the DF relay node after MBSFN transmission from the base transceiver station to the DF relay node. Furthermore, it is necessary that the DF relay node should give the mobile station notice of relay start timing before unicast communication. MBMS data is transmitted to the DF relay node by the MBSFN transmission.

On the basis of the radio channel quality information transmitted from the mobile station, the DF relay node which receives the MBMS data generates MBMS control information to be transmitted to the mobile station by the use of at least one of MBMS control information transmitted from the MBMS controller and MBMS control information included in the MBMS data transmitted from the base transceiver station. The DF relay node transmits the MBMS control information to the mobile station as control information for unicast communication and then transmits the MBMS data.

The MBMS controller which receives a request to transmit the MBMS control information transmits the MBMS control information including, for example, information regarding a service received by the mobile station to the DF relay node via the base transceiver station. Control information indicative of a part of service data which has already been received by the mobile station can be taken as a concrete example of the MBMS control information regarding the service. This control information is important in maintaining the continuity of the service.

On the basis of the above MBMS control information, the DF relay node generates a MBMS control signal and generates a MCCH which is a logical channel. This MCCH is mapped to a MCH which is a transport channel, and is radio-transmitted via a PMCH which is a radio channel.

If MBMS control information is not transmitted from the MBMS controller or if the DF relay node cannot generate a MBMS control signal (cannot generate a MCCH, for example), then the DF relay node informs the mobile station that it cannot relay MBSFN transmission, and does not relay MBSFN transmission.

If the number of mobile stations which request MBSFN transmission relay is smaller or greater than a threshold set in advance, then the DF relay node does not relay MBSFN transmission and informs the mobile stations that the DF relay node does not relay MBSFN transmission.

A mobile station which is informed that the DF relay node cannot relay MBSFN transmission performs hand-over to another relay node or the base transceiver station. To be concrete, the mobile station measures receiving power from other relay nodes or the base transceiver station and selects a relay node or the base transceiver station from which receiving power is the highest as a hand-over destination, and performs hand-over to it.

On the basis of the channel quality (or an indicator of the quality) of a downlink between the relay node 20 a and the mobile station 30-2 transmitted from the mobile station 30-2, the scheduler 2 a included in the relay node 20 a then performs scheduling in the same way that is used for transmitting unicast data between the relay node 20 a and the mobile station 30-2. The scheduler 2 a determines radio resources for transmitting MBMS data and a MBMS control signal and a modulation scheme.

The scheduler 2 a may equally perform scheduling of unicast data and relayed MBMS data or preferentially perform scheduling of unicast data or relayed MBMS data. In addition, the scheduler 2 a may perform scheduling of unicast data communication and MBMS data communication separately.

As stated above, the relay node 20 a receives the MBMS control information and performs scheduling. If the relay node 20 a can relay MBSFN transmission as a result of scheduling, then the relay node 20 a informs the mobile station 30-2 which makes a request to relay MBSFN transmission that the relay node 20 a can relay MBSFN transmission.

That is to say, the relay node 20 a uses control information for giving the mobile station 30-2 notice that the relay node 20 a relays the MBMS data in the unicast communication format. The mobile station 30-2 which receives the notice receives a downlink physical control channel (DPCCH). By doing so, the mobile station 30-2 extracts control information (MCS and the like) for downlink unicast data communication and receives a downlink radio channel PDSCH including the MBMS data in accordance with the MBMS control information.

If the mobile station 30-2 which receives the PDSCH radio channel can receive the MBMS data without errors, then the mobile station 30-2 returns an ACK to the relay node 20 a. If the mobile station 30-2 receives the MBMS data including errors, then the mobile station 30-2 returns a NACK to the relay node 20 a (MBMS data relay method in which an ACK or a NACK is not returned can be adopted).

A process performed for relaying MBMS data will now be described. When the relay node 20 a receives MBMS data transmitted from the base transceiver station 43 a, the relay node 20 a converts the received data mapped to a slot format using an extended CP to a slot format using a normal CP. The relay node 20 a then performs coding and modulation on the data and transmits the data to the mobile station 30-2.

On the basis of a transmission control signal transmitted from the relay node 20 a by the use of a DPCCH, the mobile station 30-2 sets a demodulation scheme and a decoding scheme. By receiving a PDSCH by which unicast data is transmitted, the mobile station 30-2 receives the MBMS data.

In the above description the mobile station 30-2 makes a request via the relay node 20 a to relay MBSFN transmission. As a result of hand-over, however, the base transceiver station or its upper radio channel control station may request the relay node 20 a to relay MBSFN transmission.

Furthermore, the relay node 20 a generates a MCCH. However, the following method may be used. The relay node 20 a manages the MBMS control information. When the relay node 20 a transmits the MBMS data, the relay node 20 a informs the MBMS controller 41 of the MBMS control information and the MBMS controller 41 generates a MCCH.

As has been described, the relay node 20 a relays MBMS data which it receives to the mobile station 30-2 in the unicast communication format. As a result, it is possible to relay the MBMS data without causing interference.

In addition, a radio data format using an extended CP is converted to a radio data format using a normal CP at communication format conversion time. As a result, transmission can be performed with a coding rate decreased and the number of parity bits increased. Therefore, a transmission characteristic or a transmission rate can be improved.

Moreover, on the basis of the quality of a downlink between the relay node 20 a and the mobile station 30-2 transmitted from the mobile station 30-2, scheduling is performed in the same way that is used for transmitting unicast data between the relay node 20 a and the mobile station 30-2. By doing so, an optimum transmission method can be selected. As a result, a transmission characteristic or a transmission rate can be improved.

Operation for converting the MBSFN communication format to the single cell MBMS communication format and performing relay transmission will now be described as a second embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system. The structure of a radio communication system 1 a-2 is the same as that of the radio communication system 1 a-1 illustrated in FIG. 12. The radio communication system 1 a-2 differs from the radio communication system 1 a-1 in that a communication format conversion unit 21 converts the MBSFN communication format to the single cell MBMS communication format.

A mobile station 30-2 makes a request to relay MBSFN transmission. A base transceiver station 43 a requests a MBMS controller 41 to transmit MBMS control information to a relay node 20 a. This is the same with the first embodiment.

The MBMS controller 41 which is requested to transmit the MBMS control information transmits the MBMS control information to the relay node 20 a in response to the request. On the basis of the transmitted MBMS control information, the relay node 20 a generates a control signal and generates a MCCH which is a logical channel. The relay node 20 a maps this MCCH to a DL-SCH (Downlink Shared Channel) which is a transport channel, and performs single cell MBMS transmission by the use of a PMCH which is a radio channel.

With single cell MBMS transmission a short CP can be used. This is the same with unicast transmission. Accordingly, the relay node 20 a receives MBMS data transmitted from the base transceiver station 43 a by the use of an extended CP, and performs demodulation and decoding. After that, the relay node 20 a converts the format of the MBMS data to the format using a normal CP, performs coding and modulation on the MBMS data, and transmits the MBMS data to the mobile station 30-2. This is the same with the first embodiment.

A third embodiment will now be described. In the third embodiment a base transceiver station carries out a MBMS scheduling function. In addition, a plurality of relay nodes is installed.

FIG. 15 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system. A radio communication system 1 a-3 includes a MBMS controller 41, a MBMS GW 42, base transceiver stations 43 a-1 and 43 b, a relay node RN, and mobile stations 30-1 through 30-3. The base transceiver station 43 a-1 includes a MBMS scheduler 4.

AF relay nodes RN_(AF) and DF relay nodes RN_(DF) may mingle. The case where AF relay nodes RN_(AF) and DF relay nodes RN_(DF) mingle in a cell of the base transceiver station 43 a-1 or one DF relay node is in a cell of the base transceiver station 43 a-1 (FIG. 15 indicates a relay node group in which AF relay nodes RN_(AF) and DF relay nodes RN_(DF) mingle as a relay node RN) and where the base transceiver station 43 a-1 performs scheduling of communication between all the relay nodes and the mobile station 30-2 will be described (AF relay node does not perform demodulation or decoding, so it does not carry out communication format conversion).

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram of operation. FIG. 16 is an example of a process performed in the case of centralized scheduling. In three respects FIGS. 16 and 13 differ. Firstly, a mobile station transmits information (radio channel quality information) indicative of the quality of a radio channel between a DF relay node and the mobile station to a base transceiver station via the DF relay node. Secondly, the base transceiver station performs whole scheduling of communication by all mobile stations including a mobile station under the control of the DF relay node and a mobile station which communicates directly with the base transceiver station on the basis of the radio channel quality information, information indicative of the quality of a radio channel between the base transceiver station and the mobile station which communicates directly with the base transceiver station, and the like. The quality of the radio channel between the base transceiver station and the mobile station which communicates directly with the base transceiver station is measured by this mobile station. Thirdly, control information regarding a MBSFN transmission relay method determined as a result of the scheduling and MBMS data are transmitted to the mobile station via the DF relay node.

The following method is also discussed as a method for scheduling communication between the relay node RN and the mobile station 30-2. The base transceiver station 43 a-1 performs whole scheduling of communication by the relay node RN in the cell of the base transceiver station 43 a-1.

The base transceiver station 43 a-1 performs in this way scheduling of transmission and receiving by one or more relay nodes RN which are in the cell of the base transceiver station 43 a-1 and which perform relay. This method is referred to as centralized scheduling in the sense that a central base transceiver station performs scheduling.

In unicast transmission or single cell MBMS transmission information indicative of the quality of a radio channel between the relay node RN and the mobile station 30-2 transmitted from the mobile station 30-2 to the relay node RN is transmitted from the relay node RN to the base transceiver station 43 a-1.

The base transceiver station 43 a-1 collects radio channel quality information transmitted from DF relay nodes RN_(DF) and the mobile station 30-1 with which the base transceiver station 43 a-1 directly communicates in the scheduler 4 and perform scheduling. The base transceiver station 43 a-1 then transmits scheduling information to each DF relay node RN_(DF) by the use of a radio channel.

A DF relay node RN_(DF) which receives the scheduling information generates a control signal on the basis of MBMS control information and generates a MCCH which is a logical channel. The DF relay node RN_(DF) maps this MCCH to a MCH which is a transport channel, and radio-transmits the MCH by the use of a PMCH which is a radio channel. When the DF relay node RN_(DF) receives MBMS data, changes its communication format to the unicast communication format or the single cell MBMS communication format, and transmits the MBMS data to the mobile station 30-2.

A fourth embodiment will now be described. In the above description MBSFN transmission is performed between the base transceiver station and the relay node. In the fourth embodiment, however, unicast transmission is performed between a base transceiver station and a relay node and MBSFN transmission is performed between the relay node and a mobile station.

FIG. 17 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system. A radio communication system 1 a-4 includes a MBMS controller 41, a MBMS GW 42, base transceiver stations 43 a-2, 43 b, and 43 c, a relay node 20 b, and mobile stations 30-1 through 30-3.

The base transceiver station 43 c transmits unicast data in the unicast communication format to the mobile station 30-1. The base transceiver station 43 b transmits MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format to the mobile stations 30-2 and 30-3.

The base transceiver station 43 a-2 includes a communication format conversion unit 21-1 and the relay node 20 b includes a communication format conversion unit 21-2. The communication format conversion unit 21-1 included in the base transceiver station 43 a-2 converts the MBSFN communication format to the unicast communication format and transmits MBMS data in the unicast communication format. The communication format conversion unit 21-2 included in the relay node 20 b converts the unicast communication format to the MBSFN communication format and transmits the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format.

Operation will be described. When a relay of MBSFN transmission is requested from the mobile station 30-2 to the relay node 20 b, the relay node 20 b gives the base transceiver station 43 a-2 and the MBMS controller 41 a notice of this request. The MBMS controller 41 which receives the notice gives the MBMS GW 42 instructions to transmit MBMS data to be transmitted to the mobile station 30-2 and the relay node 20 b for relay to the base transceiver station 43 a-2 (at least at a time corresponding to a delay caused by a relay process performed by the relay node 20 b, for example) before normal MBSFN transmission timing.

The base transceiver station 43 a-2 receives the MBMS data and the communication format conversion unit 21-1 included in the base transceiver station 43 a-2 converts the format including an extended CP used for normal MBSFN transmission to the format including a normal CP. The base transceiver station 43 a-2 transmits the MBMS data in the unicast communication format to the relay node 20 b.

The relay node 20 b receives the MBMS data in the unicast communication format and the communication format conversion unit 21-2 included in the relay node 20 b converts the format using a normal CP to the format including an extended CP. The relay node 20 b transmits the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format to the mobile station 30-2.

As a result, it is possible to perform MBSFN transmission between the base transceiver station 43 a-2 and the relay node 20 b without interfering with communication between the base transceiver station 43 b and the mobile station 30-2. In addition, the base transceiver station 43 a-2 transmits the MBMS data before normal MBSFN transmission timing, so the mobile station 30-2 can receive and combine the MBMS data transmitted via the relay node 20 b and the MBMS data transmitted from the base transceiver station 43 b.

FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of transmission of MBMS data before normal MBSFN transmission timing.

(S1) The base transceiver station 43 a-2 transmits MBMS data in the unicast communication format to the relay node 20 b, for example, at least at a time corresponding to a delay caused by a relay process performed by the relay node 20 b (a time corresponding to a delay caused by a series of processes, that is to say, by a demodulation and decoding process and a coding and modulation process performed by the relay node 20 b which is, for example, a DF relay node) before normal MBSFN transmission timing.

(S2) The relay node 20 b performs the demodulation and decoding process and the coding and modulation process on the MBMS data.

(S3) The communication format conversion unit 21-2 included in the relay node 20 b converts the unicast communication format to the MBSFN communication format and converts the format using a normal CP to the format using an extended CP.

(S4) The relay node 20 b transmits the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format to the mobile station 30-2.

(S5) The base transceiver station 43 b transmits the MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format to the mobile station 30-2.

(S6) The mobile station 30-2 receives and synthesizes the MBMS data transmitted via the relay node 20 b and the MBMS data transmitted from the base transceiver station 43 b.

In the above sequence diagram the base transceiver station 43 a-2 transmits MBMS data in the unicast communication format before normal MBSFN transmission timing and the relay node 20 b converts the unicast communication format to the MBSFN communication format. However, when the base transceiver station 43 a-2 transmits MBMS data in the MBSFN communication format before normal MBSFN transmission timing, the relay node 20 b also converts the MBSFN communication format to the unicast communication format.

A modification of the above radio communication systems will now be described. In the above description the format using an extended CP is used for MBSFN transmission for the purpose of making it easy to receive MBSFN transmission from a remote base transceiver station and increasing the number of pieces of MBMS data which can be received and synthesized, that is to say, for the purpose of making it possible to receive MBMS data for which a propagation delay is long.

The fact that the use of an extended CP makes it possible to receive MBMS data for which a propagation delay is long shows that the radius of a cell can be increased. Accordingly, in the modification an extended CP is used for transmitting data which is not limited to MBMS data in a cell that is wider than a cell in which a normal CP is used.

If a relay node is installed in a cell with a long radius in the modification, then the relay node performs communication by the use of a normal CP because the radius of a cell of the relay node is short for its use.

FIG. 19 illustrates the structure of a radio communication system. A radio communication system lb includes a base transceiver station 43 a, a relay node 20 c, and mobile stations 30-1 and 30-2 (MBMS controller 41, a MBMS GW 42, and the like are not illustrated). The relay node 20 c includes a radio transmission and receiving unit 2 c-1 and a communication format conversion unit 2 c-2.

A cell 51 is a cell of the base transceiver station 43 a and a cell 52 is a relay area of the relay node 20 c. The relay node 20 c and the mobile station 30-1 are within the cell 51. The mobile station 30-2 is outside the cell 51 and is within the cell 52.

The radio transmission and receiving unit 2 c-1 performs a radio transmission and receiving process with the base transceiver station 43 a or the mobile station 30-2. When the communication format conversion unit 2 c-2 communicates with the base transceiver station 43 a, the communication format conversion unit 2 c-2 performs communication by the use of a first radio data format using a first redundant portion (extended CP, for example). When the communication format conversion unit 2 c-2 communicates with the mobile station 30-2, the communication format conversion unit 2 c-2 performs communication by the use of a second radio data format using a second redundant portion (normal CP, for example) that is shorter than the first redundant portion.

In downlink transmission the base transceiver station 43 a transmits data D1 in the format using an extended CP. When the relay node 20 c receives the data D1, the communication format conversion unit 2 c-2 transmits data D2 the format of which is converted to the format using a normal CP to the mobile station 30-2.

In uplink transmission the mobile station 30-2 transmits data D2 in the format using a normal CP to the relay node 20 c. When the relay node 20 c receives the data D2, the communication format conversion unit 2 c-2 generates data D1 by converting the format to the format using an extended CP, and transmits the data D1 to the base transceiver station 43 a.

As a result, the mobile station 30-1 within the cell receives data in the format using an extended CP, so the mobile station 30-1 receives and synthesizes plural pieces of data. Accordingly, receiving quality can be improved. In addition, the relay node 20 c relays data in the format using a normal CP to the mobile station 30-2, so transmission can be performed with a coding rate decreased and the number of parity bits increased. Therefore, a transmission characteristic can be improved.

One example of a hardware configuration of a radio base station will be described. A radio base station includes a radio interface, processor, memory, logical circuit, and wired interface. The radio interface is an interface device that performs radio communications with a radio terminal or a relay node, and for example, includes an antenna. The processor is a device that processes data, and for example, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory is a device that stores data, and for example, includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The logical circuit is an electronic circuit that performs logical calculation, and for example, includes LSI (Large Scale Integration) and FPGA (Field-Programming Gate Array). The wired interface is an interface device that performs wired communications with another radio base station connected to a network of mobile telephone system side (so-called backhaul network).

One example of a hardware configuration of a relay node will be described. A relay node includes a radio interface, processor, memory, and logical circuit. The radio interface is an interface device that performs radio communications with a radio base station, radio terminal, or another relay node, and for example, includes an antenna. The processor is a device that processes data, and for example, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory is a device that stores data, and for example, includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The logical circuit is an electronic circuit that performs logical calculation, and for example, includes LSI (Large Scale Integration) and FPGA (Field-Programming Gate Array).

A correspondence between the relay node illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 and such hardware components is as follows. The radio interface corresponds to the antennas a1 and a2, for example. The processor, logical circuit, and memory correspond to the communication format conversion unit 21, receiving unit 22 a-1, . . . , and transmission unit 28 a-2, for example.

One example of a hardware configuration of a radio terminal will be described. A radio terminal includes a radio interface, processor, memory, logical circuit, input interface, and output interface. The radio interface is an interface device that performs radio communications with a radio base station or relay node, and for example, includes an antenna. The processor is a device that processes data, and for example, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory is a device that stores data, and for example, includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The logical circuit is an electronic circuit that performs logical calculation, and for example, includes LSI (Large Scale Integration) and FPGA (Field-Programming Gate Array). The input interface is a device for inputs, and for example, includes operational buttons and microphone. The output interface is a device for outputs, and for example, includes a display and speaker.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A radio communication system comprising: a first radio station which transmits data in a first radio format using a first redundant portion; a second radio station which receives the data, converts the first radio format to a second radio format using a second redundant portion which differs from the first redundant portion in length and transmits the data by use of the second radio format; and a third radio station which receives the data transmitted from the second radio Station; wherein the first radio format includes a first radio channel and the second radio format includes a second radio channel being different from the first radio channel.
 2. A radio apparatus communicating with both a first radio station and a second radio station, the radio apparatus comprising: a radio transmitter/receiver which performs communication with the first radio station or the second radio station by use of a radio format; and a communication format converter which converts the radio format to a fist radio format using a first redundant portion in the case of communicating with the first radio station, and converts the radio format to a second radio format using a second redundant portion which differs from the first redundant portion in length in the case of communicating with the second radio station; wherein the first radio format includes a first radio channel and the second radio format includes a second radio channel being different from the first radio channel.
 3. A radio apparatus communicating with a first radio station via a second radio station, the radio apparatus comprising: a radio transmitter/receiver which performs communication with the second radio station in a second radio format using a second redundant portion which differs from a first redundant portion in length, the second radio format being different from a first radio format using the first redundant portion used by communication between the first radio station and the second radio station; wherein the first radio format includes a first radio channel and the second radio format includes a second radio channel being different from the first radio channel.
 4. A radio communication method comprising: transmitting, by a first radio station, data in a first radio format using a first redundant portion; receiving, by a second radio station, the data, converting the first radio format to a second radio format using a second redundant portion which differs from the first redundant portion in length and transmitting the data by use of the second radio format; and receiving, by a third radio station, the data transmitted from the second radio station; wherein the first radio format includes a first radio channel and the second radio format includes a second radio channel being different from the first radio channel. 